Foxtrot Project

Enlisted in National Guard,not happy with Bacherlor's degree. Guidance please.?

I am 24 years old, male, from Edinburg,Tx. I enlisted in the National Guard February 13,2009 as an E4 thanks to my Rehabilitative Services Degree I earned at U.T.P.A. of December '08. I have a six year contract with the Army National Guard, 20k enlistment Bonus, my M.O.S. is 13 Foxtrot known as Forward Observer/Fire Support, I head to Basic Training for about 16 weeks beginning August 10, 2009 (this year) till about December 8, 2009. I'm working full time with my degree but here in Texas, this degree doesn't pay well at all, and it's a combination of Case Management and Counseling, it has it perks at times but, it just isn't me. Counselor's and such lied to me, misinformed me, and I was in a time and financial crunch, and the military option wasn't available due to family preferencses.. a.k.a. "join and I'll disown you" which actually would have been the case... ! lol *sigh* I'm wanting to go and complete a new Degree in Pre-Med Biology, and pursue a Medical Degree or go for Physical/Occupational Therapy as a Master's and possibly if I enjoy the military then head for the Medical Corps. I've been thinking about contracting with the R.O.T.C. program at my local University, U.T.P.A. or the Brownsville University, and contract in the S.M.P. program so that I do get extra help during my new studies, and the small stipend given (once I'm credited as a Sophomore), then take the commission as 2nd Lieutenant, and also my time contracted counts as time towards my commission and enlisted time. Question: Is this a wise decision? Any other better Options? Anything to save time? Possible complications with this rhoute? The Rank of 2nd Lieutenant worth this? Contracting with the ROTC worth this even when I have my G.I. Bill kicking in? I sincerely appreciate your individual opinions and time in this. I really really do! This is big step in my life and am trying to make the best decision so I can have a much better fullfilling career for myself, and also to help my family (Being the eldest of 4, I'm in charge of the youngest, and providing for him when he hit's college in another 6 years) and well so I can do things I want to do! lol Again, God Bless, and I thank you for your time. Victor. R.

Public Comments

1. The road to Medical School is long and hard. You might instead looking into Physician Assistant. PAs actually started out as Medical Corpsmen who wanted to transfer their diagnostic skills to the Civilian World. PA is usually a two-year Master's.
2. You have a tremendous amount of questions here - I'll answer the National Guard v. ROTC part. Stay in the Guard. You make more money and if you decide you like the service, your NG service counts toward retirement - your 20 years. ROTC participation doesn't count toward retirement - it does give you a slight increase in pay but your NG pay will be significantly higher. When you get your degree, apply for a direct commission in the military - any of the services. You will be commissioned as a 2d LT with 4 or so years of service and probably will pick up your 1LT much faster than the ROTC guys. Good luck to you